Sandi Carrico - Jewelry Artist

Another Nephew Alert & New Work

2012-01-24T12:31:00.001-06:00

Tonight, Jan. 25, Matthew will be on “Criminal Minds” – once again he is playing a creepy role, but at least he is working. How about a nice romantic role Matt?
Two new pieces from my bench:

Holley Blue Agate Asymmetrical Earrings

Parrot Wing Chrysocolla Ring

A Beautiful Day

2012-01-19T18:46:00.000-06:00

From morning sun.....

to a jewel-toned sunset...

Nephew Alert – New Movie

2012-01-14T12:56:00.001-06:00

My nephew Matthew Alan is in a movie that is being shown on the Lifetime Movie channel tonight at 9:00 PM CST. The movie is called “Walking the Halls” and Matt is pretty much in the entire movie. His character’s name is Jack and he plays a cop who is also a pimp.

The movie is also being shown tomorrow, Jan. 15, at 3:00 PM CST.

Happy Birthday Sammy

2012-01-13T13:39:00.001-06:00

There has been so much going on the last few weeks that I forgot all about Sammy’s birthday….he was 1 year old on Wednesday.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SAMMY!

Where’s my cake?

New birthday haircut

Glad the party is over!

We bought Sammy last year before we knew Jim was sick and to be very honest there were days I wished we hadn’t bought him; it was very difficult trying to take care of a new puppy and take care of Jim also but I am so glad I have him now…he is a great deal of comfort to me.

Perplexed

2012-01-11T14:23:00.001-06:00

This necklace was a custom order that I spent literally hours on on the design. When I finally finished it my customer said she didn’t want to buy it, her reason was, “The piece is nice, however Sandi not like what we discussed and does not look like the final sketch we agreed on”.

Of course I don’t want a customer buying something she/he does not want but I am beside myself trying to figure out why she feels it is not like the final sketch decided upon…what do you think? Of course my request for a little more explanation has gone unanswered.

Finished design
(SOLD – THANK YOU!)

Sketch agreed upon

Oh well, I ended up with a beautiful cabochon (Avatar fern jasper) and I think, a pretty necklace for sale.

From My Bench

2012-01-09T13:23:00.001-06:00

I had completed these 3 designs before Jim became really sick so I didn’t get them listed until now. The Bertrandite Tiffany necklace has a special place in my heart because Jim helped me pick out the stones and helped with the design.

Bertrandite with ruby and pearl necklace

Bertrandite ring – this is a fabulous stone
(spoken for - Thank You!)

I Miss My Beloved…

2012-01-06T08:41:00.001-06:00

My husband Jim passed away on New Year’s day.

He had been fighting a battle with lung cancer since last May and he fought a valiant fight. My heart and soul are broken but I take some comfort in knowing he is finally resting peacefully.

Jim and I reconnected 9 years ago and would have been married 7 years this July…they have been the best years of my life. Jim and I were truly soul-mates….he has always been and will always be the love of my life. As he told me a few days before he died, “remember all the good times we had” and good times we did have!

For those of you who knew of Jim’s illness, I want to thank you for keeping him in your thoughts and prayers.

Rest in peace my love!

2011-12-23T14:36:00.000-06:00

Merry Christmas

From our family to yours

We’re Home!

2011-12-17T08:29:00.001-06:00

I know…you probably didn’t even know we were gone LOL! Sammy and Max knew…we always leave Max home when we travel but I have never left Sammy before and I really missed the little hellion! Jim’s brother house-sat for us and took care of the dogs while we were gone. The only bad thing about that is I think Sammy loves John more than me now :-).

Anyway, we left Monday after Jim’s doctor appointment and drove home to Indiana to see my family. It’s been a rough year and I really needed a hug from my family….those hugs will make everything OK for a while longer. I miss them terribly but I know I am where I need to be, doing what I need to be doing. I love you guys!

This year has been full of sickness and sadness and not just for our family but it seems like everyone I talk to has had the same kind of year…. I do hope 2012 is better.

Have a great weekend everyone…I am off to unpack!

Candy Apple Red

2011-12-11T16:09:00.000-06:00

Red is my favorite color so here's a treasury curated by moi....
I hope you give it lots of lovin'.

Candy Apple Red Treasury

From My Bench

2011-12-10T14:25:00.001-06:00

This is a ring I just finished for one of my customers….Sugilite with 14K gold granulations. Although the stone is a beautiful purple color, it is not a bright purple as the photo shows…in hand, it’s more of a grape color….hope she likes it!

Fossil Coral ring using some of the discs from my new toy
(custom sized ring – which way do you like it best?)

I’m In Love…Update

2011-12-08T17:30:00.001-06:00

It’s been such a brief relationship but I knew from the first pounding of my heart…uh, hammer, that this was going to be a great love affair…

My Swanstrom disc cutter arrived yesterday…Merry Christmas to me from me….visions of sugarplums (uh, designs) dance in my head!

It cuts like butter and it leaves such a nice finish on the top…a nice rounded edge with just a tiny burr on the back side.

Some of my discs and my first seamless ring using the cutter

UPDATE: Here’s a video from Rio Grande showing how to make the seamless ring using the Swanstrom disc cutter….enjoy the magic!

http://www.riogrande.com/VideoPlayer.aspx?fn=Disc-Cutter-Seamless-Ring-VID-psd

From My Bench

2011-12-06T14:55:00.001-06:00

Rutilated Quartz Ring
(Custom Sizing)

Laguna Lace Agate Necklace & Earring Set
(with my leaves of course)

Oh, I “bit the bullet” and ordered the Swanstrom Disc Cutter…I’ll keep you posted….thanks for all the comments I received. I would have probably ordered the Pepe because it was less expensive but I couldn’t find them in stock anywhere and no one seemed to know when they would be restocked. In case you are looking for a Pepe, I received this message from one of Pepe’s distributors:

”Thanks for your interest and follow up on the disc cutter. Unfortunately this is one of our few items that we do not have an ETA on. This company only makes so many of these a year at a time and is never forthcoming about when they are shipping them. When we do receive them, we only receive a very limited number.”

All I Want For Christmas Is…

2011-12-03T16:35:00.001-06:00

A disc cutter.

Do you have one?

What brand?

Do you love it?

Is it worth the money?

From My Bench

2011-11-30T19:38:00.001-06:00

Morrisonite with grossular garnet beads and prehnite fringe

Labradorite ring – I love how this cab looks striped

Amazing Sunset

2011-11-29T17:11:00.001-06:00

An absolutely beautiful sunset this evening.

SALE & Some Etsy Favorites

2011-11-25T10:23:00.001-06:00

In my shop

*** Black Friday thru Cyber Monday Sale ***

25% off – Use Coupon Code Friday11

I also wanted to share some of my favorite picks
for Black Friday shopping on Etsy.

This has to be the cutest couple I have ever seen.

I love this gorgeous felted hat

Do you love horses?

Lampwork beads for your designs

Love this funky purse

From My Bench

2011-11-21T17:11:00.001-06:00

A new pair of earrings with my leaves….this time in brass, copper, and sterling silver.

From My Bench

2011-11-17T10:05:00.001-06:00

My muse has been missing for a couple of weeks…not sure where she goes when she takes off but she finally returned and helped me whip up this new pair of my “mismatched” earrings.

This opal is too die for…purchased at my favorite opal-gettin’ place, “cutforyou”…no one has opals quite like Keith. Unfortunately, I couldn’t capture all its beauty in a photo. I actually had a hard time taking pictures at all…I don’t know if it’s the time of day but I must have taken 2 dozen photos and I am not really happy with any of them….but, here they are.

Do You Crochet?

2011-11-12T09:12:00.001-06:00

Isn’t it funny the things we are taught as kids that we never forget…crocheting is one of those things for me. My grandmother and mother taught me this art form and it doesn’t seem to make any difference how many years pass, when I pick up a needle and a skein of yard…it all comes back to me.

Of course, as a child, I was taught easy items, such as dish cloths and pot holders…grandma & mom each ended up with enough of those to last them a lifetime.

As a young adult woman, crocheted clothing was quite fashionable so I taught myself how to make vests, hats, and even those little “crop” tops, as we called them. Being this young adult woman, I was also a lot thinner so I actually wore the items I made.

Later on I learned to bead crochet…you add a bead of some kind to every stitch…I made some beautiful bracelets and necklaces. I have always enjoyed crocheting and beading and this was a way to combine them both. If it is done well, you don’t even see the crochet stitches. Here’s an example of a beautifully-made bead crochet rope necklace. There is a lot of this work on Etsy.

OK, you are probably wondering where I am going with this story…two points: First, I recently purchased a scarf to wear this winter from a shop on Etsy, musicmuhl. The scarf is beautiful as is the hat she made me to match….I want to give a shout-out to her shop; I hope you will visit and give it some lovin’. You will be enthralled with her hand-knitted items and she is such a sweetie to work with.

2nd point: It turned cold this week so I had the opportunity to wear my scarf but wasn’t quit sure how to do so until I saw this woman on TV wrap hers. She folded it in half and then wrapped it around her neck pulling the 2 loose ends through the loop…it looked gorgeous. That’s how I wore my scarf…not only was it warm and comfortable but I received several compliments.

I am not what most would consider a “fashionista” so I really had no clue how to wear a scarf fashionably. Now that I know how, I have decided to make one using my “vast” crochet knowledge. :-)

I bought the yarn, the needle (love the new ergonomic handles), the pattern, and already have about 15 rows completed. The good news is…I can still read a crochet pattern; the bad news is…by the time I finish my scarf, winter will probably be over.

Have a great weekend!

Teaching Question

2011-11-09T14:43:00.001-06:00

I have been approached by someone to teach her metalsmithing. I have the room and the time and feel confident that I could teach her the basics but I have no idea how to charge.

I would love to hear your comments and/or suggestions whether you are a ‘smither or not…thanks.

From My Bench

2011-11-07T15:05:00.001-06:00

Two new pair of earrings just listed.

I recently purchased a small piece of the new sterling silver-filled sheet and finally got around to making something with it. I thought I would start small so I made a pair of my leaves with it and I am really pleased with how they came out. I had no problem cutting, soldering, polishing, sanding or oxidizing it…the only thing that gives it away is the back side of the leaves are brass as are the edges but it actually provides a very nice contrast.

A single leaf in a drop earring…these look so cool on

Agatized coral cabochon with hand-stamped bails

From My Bench

2011-11-05T16:15:00.001-05:00

A new multi-stone ring from me.

Black fossil coral and black onyx
(custom-sized ring)

Stocking Stuffers

2011-11-02T09:43:00.001-05:00

I know it’s a little early to be thinking about Christmas…well, maybe not, but when I saw the listing for these “colored pencil earring studs”, which I think are just adorable, I thought it would be fun to put together some of my favorite picks for stocking stuffers….hope you will give each one of them some lovin’. Each picture is linked to the seller’s Etsy shop.

Colored Pencil Earring Studs
(huiyitan)

iPhone Leather Case
(GardenourLeather)

Rudolph Necklace
(StickManJewelry)

Monogram Pebble
(sjengraving)

Copper Poppy Pendant
(cherbear71)

Teapot Treasury

2011-10-28T10:05:00.004-05:00

In my past corporate life, I was fortunate enough to be able to travel internationally…it was a time when the world felt a whole lot safer. Anyway, one of my trips was to Asia, specifically Hong Kong, Thailand, and Taiwan and teapots were in abundance...I absolutely fell in love with them. I was surprised at the number of different ones I found on Etsy...I hope you enjoy the treasury.

Re-Post: Fall Has Arrived!

2011-10-26T14:33:00.001-05:00

I posted pictures yesterday of some of the beauty around our farm but the pictures were not very good. I think I figured out why….my camera was on the wrong setting….duh! I took additional pictures today and they are much better.

Max followed along while I was taking pictures…he’s keeping watch for deer.

Sammy seems to have found a comfy spot on one of the hay bales

From My Bench

2011-10-20T15:22:00.001-05:00

New Work: I haven’t had much time at my bench for the last week or so but I did manage to finish these two items.

Bumblebee jasper & prehnite “mis-matched”
earrings with my leaves

Azurite & lapis ring

Etsy Ads: Not impressed! Has anyone else tried them? I decided to try it for the minimum of $5.00 and it garnered me all of 19 views. First, I don’t like the choice of key words they offer you; for instance, if I use the keyword “bumblebee jasper”, they offered me “bumblebee” or “jasper” but not the 2 words together. If I understand the premise correctly, when someone types in the word “bumblebee” as their search term, my item will eventually show up but how many bumblebee items do they have to filter through to find my item. Maybe I just don’t understand it but for now, I feel like I get more views from my .20 renewal fee. I would love to hear what others think.

From My Bench

2011-10-13T14:26:00.001-05:00

I made a pair of these feathers for a custom order and I knew before I finished the order that I was going to have to make another pair for my Etsy shop. The necklace is turquoise and coral.

From My Bench

2011-10-11T20:36:00.001-05:00

I showed a sneak preview of the first two pieces in my WIP post…they are now finished and in my Etsy shop.

Black lace agate & onyx ring (custom-sizing)

Azurite & malachite ring (custom-sizing)

The earrings were a custom order and
I am really pleased with how they turned out
(my customer liked them too :-)

Tuesday’s Treasury

2011-10-11T07:59:00.001-05:00

Oh wow, one of my treasuries is featured on the “Etsy Treasury Hunter” blog. “Whiter Shade of Pale” (4th one down) is the one I curated…hope you enjoy it. There really are some gorgeous treasuries featured on this blog.

If you are not familiar with the song, you can listen to it here:

Hope you have a treasured Tuesday!

WIPs

2011-10-05T18:01:00.001-05:00

I love to look at other’s works-in-progress but I always forget to take pictures of mine…today I remembered.

From left clockwise:
black lace agate with black onyx (ring)
holley blue agates ring (custom order)
azurite & malachite (center stone is the same)
Peruvian opal (custom order)

Earrings I just finished for a customer

Nephew Alert

2011-10-04T17:32:00.001-05:00

Matt is a guest star on tonight’s episode of “NCIS”. He plays Navy Lieutenant Paul Booth opposite Mark Harmon and special guest star Lily Tomlin.

I will tell you, if you miss the first 5 minutes, you will miss Matt’s part…love his heart….he can’t seem to live past the first 5 minutes…but we are still proud of him.

From My Bench – More Leaves

2011-09-29T14:25:00.001-05:00

Well, I just can’t get enough of these leaves, I just love making them…I am thinking they should be my “signature”…what do you think?

Sugilite and Holley Blue Agate Ring – Custom Sizing

Autumn Buds – Etched copper & sterling
I think these are so cute…if I do say so myself :-)

This piece I re-worked…I had it listed as a ring and I just wasn’t lovin’ it.
I think it needed to be a necklace…the little malachite stone is amazing.

Hope you are having a great week!

From My Bench

2011-09-25T13:46:00.002-05:00

I love how this piece turned out….
the ocean jasper cab is fabulous and I couldn’t
believe I actually had the satin cords in
exactly the same colors to make the Kumihimo braid.
I really enjoy making these braids also...very relaxing.
(Spoken for – Thank You!)

Beautiful trio of imperial jasper cabochons
(SOLD – Thank You!)

Leaves of 3

2011-09-23T11:15:00.001-05:00

…no, not poison ivy….3 new designs with leaves.

Green Opal Ring
(SOLD – thank you!)

Regency Rose & Lapis Laminate Necklace
(SOLD – thank you!)

Sammy’s Ears

2011-09-21T17:29:00.001-05:00

I have owned several Schnauzers over the years but never one that had ears. Well, they all had ears but they were always cropped at birth…Sammy is the first one where I had the choice.

Anyway, his ears fascinate me, not to mention all the character they give him. I had posted a few months back that I thought he had broken one of his ears but that wasn’t the case. Looks like he can do what he wants with them…at will. All of these pictures were taken within a couple days of each other.

Ears Up

Ears Down

1 Up – 1 Down

…and I had to share this one
”Sammy the reindeer”

…OK, just one more!

Silver & Blue Treasury

2011-09-19T09:36:00.003-05:00

I just joined a new Etsy team called “Top Treasury” and it's about treasuries only...here’s a new one I just created..."Silver & Blue".

A Camping We Did Go

2011-09-17T21:17:00.001-05:00

The weather here in NW Arkansas was beautiful this week so Jim and I packed up our camper and took off.

We had a wonderful campfire on the first night…it was the perfect weather for it. In the campsite across from us there was a group of other campers that sat outside all evening playing guitars and fiddles and singing…it was a perfect evening. I also learned something new about my camera – I love how this picture came out.

Jim did some fishing…he didn’t catch anything but he enjoyed it. I took some pictures of the river and Sammy playing in the water but they are on my phone and I haven’t downloaded them yet.

Speaking of Sammy, this was his first camping trip and I think he really enjoyed it. He got to stay outside most of the day watching the squirrels and birds and all the other campers. He got a new haircut right before we left and they cut him a little too short…he’s going to freeze this winter. For some reason, I think of “Mighty Mouse” when I see this picture.

I love this picture….Jim was taking a nap and Sammy was sitting on his knees looking out the window…he was watching some other dogs taking their humans for a walk.

Weekend Sale

2011-09-10T09:49:00.001-05:00

Purchase 1 item at full price;

get 25% off 2nd item purchased

of equal/lesser value.

(Custom/Reserved items not included
unless of course you want to purchase a 2nd item)

NEW - Bruneau Jasper Ensemble

Metals Mixture

2011-09-09T14:57:00.001-05:00

I love the look of etched metal and envy those artists who can do it but it’s not a process I have had any desire to learn. Recently I found a place that sells the most amazing etchings and I am having so much fun playing with with all the different metals.

I recently purchased this beautiful piece of Indian Paint stone and when it arrived, I just knew I had to set it with some of the etched metal. In fact, I actually made the ring the same day I received the stone…I was that excited about it. I layered the brass on sterling and made a ring band in the same brass…this ring is available with custom-sizing.

The brass looks more coppery in the pictures but in hand, it really pulls together the colors in the stone…perfect color pallet for the upcoming fall season.

From My Bench

2011-09-06T17:38:00.001-05:00

Parral Dendritic Agate
Necklace & Earring Set
(SOLD - Thank You!)

Kambamba Jasper Necklace

Sammy Jo

2011-09-05T13:51:00.001-05:00

Sammy hopes everyone is enjoying their Labor Day weekend…
he sure is!

From My Bench

2011-09-03T14:45:00.001-05:00

I finished a few new pieces this week.

Sonora Dedritic Rhyolite Necklace

Montana Agate Ring – Can be custom-sized

Rutilated Quartz & Black Onxy “Mis-matched” Earrings

Sammy Sunday on Tuesday

2011-08-30T18:53:00.005-05:00

I have missed “Sammy Sunday” for a couple of weeks so I put together this Etsy treasury…hope you enjoy it.

Baby Hippo Ballet

2011-08-27T20:29:00.001-05:00

Have you seen this video…it is the cutest thing….it shows Adhama, a baby hippo housed at the San Diego Zoo, playing with his momma.

Two Newbies

2011-08-22T13:20:00.001-05:00

Two new rings listed – I love these stones…I probably say that about all my cabochons.

Fossilized black coral ring – custom-sizing

Malachite ring – custom sizing

A New Life

2011-08-20T15:29:00.001-05:00

…not for me….for this necklace. It has been in my Etsy shop for several months and while it did receive a lot of hearts – it never sold.

The other day I decided it was time for a new life.

From necklace…

To earrings…
SOLD the same day I listed them.
Thank You!

Salivate

2011-08-18T13:53:00.001-05:00

Like my title…it kind of piqued your interest didn’t it.

I just had to share some eye candy…don’t drool on your keyboard!

From left clockwise: Bruneau jasper (custom order); parral dendritic agate; more Bruneau jasper; Regency Rose agate laminated to lapis (close-up below); Imperial jasper; alunite…all of them are even prettier in hand.

Isn't this the most amazing cabochon…

Let me know if you see anything you would like.

Up From the Earth

2011-08-17T15:03:00.001-05:00

Did you ever have an idea pop in your head and you just know you have to “bring it home”. As creative as all of you are, I know you have all kind of ideas floating around in your head. For me, this one just would not go away…I knew it would be the name for my creation and I knew it had to be really “earthy” stones, but I had no idea what those would be.

For weeks, I kept putting stones together, rearranging them…nothing worked until this morning. I found this piece of Sonora Sunrise that Jim had cut and polished and this ammonite that I have had for years; it was one of the first cabochons I purchased after I began my silversmithing lessons. I knew when I saw the two stones together, this was the culmination of my idea.

I hope you like it as much as I do….there is just something about it that works for me.

From My Bench

2011-08-10T15:51:00.001-05:00

A few new pieces from me.

Lapis and Mojave bronzed turquoise
(the lapis is set on red brass)
(SOLD – thank you)

Moss agate ring
(SOLD – thank you)

Tuxedo agate, hand-carved bone face, hematite beads.

From My Bench

2011-08-06T15:48:00.001-05:00

I finished a few new pieces this week.

Tuxedo Agate Necklace
With Fresh-Water Pearls & Chalcedony
(SOLD – Thank You!)

Leopard Skin Jasper Ring
(I really like this little stone)

Dinosaur Bone (Ring or Pendant)

From My Bench

2011-07-31T14:23:00.001-05:00

I received two gorgeous stones in the mail this week…both will be rings that can be custom-sized.

The Bertrandite is one of the prettiest pink colors I have seen in a stone – I just love it….the colors run from a pretty blush pink to peach.

“Pinkalicious”

And this little beauty is Mookaite jasper…I love the simplicity of it and the colors of the stone….like 3 different shades of flesh…has more of a pinkish tone than the picture shows.

“Tree Line”

A State of Flux

2011-07-30T16:54:00.001-05:00

I have a question for those of you who solder…what type of flux do you use? Do you have a favorite?

I fluxtuate (pun intended) between a mixture of boric acid/denatured alcohol and Batterns.

I have used the boric acid mixture for years but occasionally something seems to change and my solder will not flow. Nothing changes in my preparation of the silver or how I add the flux…but the solder will not budge. I figure at this point that maybe the mixture itself is dirty so I make a new batch…eventually the situation straightens itself out.

As for Batterns, I really don’t like this flux but it could be that I am not using it correctly. Each time I use it, it does a lot of bubbling and popping which results in a “crust” all around the bezel. If I try to replace my solder after all the popping and bubbling, I can’t get it close to the bezel because of the crust on the inside of the bezel. I can’t see my solder flow because of the crust on the outside of the bezel.

So….I would love to hear if you have a favorite.

My Stone

2011-07-28T10:35:00.001-05:00

As requested by my wonderful followers, here is “my stone” completed. I kept it pretty simple…added a textured edge and a strip of patterned brass around the band.

(SOLD – Thank You!)

Eye Candy

2011-07-25T14:24:00.001-05:00

I have been buying cabochons from a lapidarist on eBay (TheSculptedStone) and he cuts the most amazing scenic jasper stones. I recently purchased a cab from him and he sent me a note and asked if I would set two of his stones for his daughter-in-law…needless to say I was quite flattered and said yes. Last week I received my stone along with his two and I just had to post pictures of them…they are so pretty…they look like paintings.

Necklace Stone

Ring Stone

My Stone

Sammy Sunday & Max

2011-07-24T12:02:00.001-05:00

Max has finally taken up with Sammy. He was pretty jealous when we first brought Sammy home but now they are good buds. Max comes in the house during the day because of the heat. He and Sammy play everyday and what’s so cute about it is that Max will remain on his belly like he is trying to even the playing field.

More New Work

2011-07-21T17:27:00.002-05:00

Gorgeous new material from Morocco - black fossil coral
paired with a grey moonstone
(the moonstone looks dark but in hand it matches the coral perfectly)

A beautiful piece of Koroit opal in a ring
that can be custom-sized

On A Roll – From My Bench

2011-07-18T13:47:00.001-05:00

My muse and I were quite busy this weekend.

“Bubbles”

Alunite & Carnelian Earrings
(SOLD – Thank you!)

Tiger’s Eye Necklace

Laguna Lace with an Amethyst CZ

Treasuries

2011-07-16T07:36:00.004-05:00

I have been included in several treasuries recently but didn't have the know-how to post them on my blog....I do now. A big THANK YOU to the curators for including me in their beautiful treasuries.

GREENDAY curated by seesawartworks

Forever Jasper curated by DonnaLenora

For those of you who are interested in adding a treasury to your blog post, the following process works great, if you use blogger to create your blog posts.

Go to craftcult. At the very top of the page click on "widgets"...you will be asked "Etsy Shop or Treasury"...click on Treasury and follow the steps below.

I normally create my blog posts using Window's Live Writer and I can't seem to get the widget to work using that editor but blogger does the trick.

From My Bench

2011-07-12T17:31:00.003-05:00

“Stoned Asymmetry”

Beach stones hanging from hand-cut sterling flowers.
I love how this turned out.

I also have to show off this gorgeous treasury hosted by Indounik; the above set is featured in it…thank you so much. Be sure to check out Indounik’s Etsy shop – she has some amazing items for your creations.

Here is the link to the treasury...I hope you will give it lots of lovin'.

Nephew Alert & A Question

2011-07-10T15:36:00.003-05:00

Nephew alert…
As I have mentioned before, my nephew is an actor. Tonight, Monday, July 11, he will be in the premier episode of the TV series “Rizzoli & Isles”…it airs at 9:00 PM CST…hope you will watch.

We are kind of excited about this particular role because he doesn’t get killed; in almost every other show he has been in, they killed off his character.

Matt’s character name in the show is Pvt. Gary Campbell.

My question…
How do I put a picture of a treasury on my blog. I used to have a program that would copy & paste it but it no longer works. Thanks for any help.

From My Bench

2011-07-07T14:39:00.001-05:00

I have been working on this piece for a couple of weeks and it finally came together. It’s funny how you can take a piece just so far and get stuck and then the perfect idea just jumps up and grabs you…I think this one was worth the wait.

Hand-carved bone moon face
The stars were hand-cut and each one given a different texture.

How Do You Work?

2011-07-05T10:07:00.001-05:00

I have often wondered how other jewelry makers organize their day & projects. I have a tendency to pull out 3 or 4 cabochons that I want to set and work on all of them at once.

I make all the bezels…

I then design the pieces either in my head or on paper…oftentimes I already have a design in mind for a particular stone.

I cut out all of the back plates…

I solder all the bezels down….

Then I begin adding embellishments to each back plate…if I embellish…

I clean/polish each piece and oxidize them all at once…

I buff each piece…

Then I set each of the stones.

Very seldom will I pick one cabochon and work only on it until it’s finished…I always seem to find something else I want to work on for awhile. I wonder if I would get more done if I did one piece at a time????

I am kind of like this in other things I do…I always seem to have several projects going at once. Even reading, I’ll have 3 or 4 books going at one time.

How do you organize your work…your day….your projects?

Sammy Sunday

2011-07-03T08:48:00.001-05:00

Before we get to Sammy, I would like to say Happy Anniversary to my beloved – 6 years ago yesterday I was re-married to the love of my life…Happy Anniversary Jim!

As for Sammy - he had a rough week – he lost his manhood and has lost several puppy teeth – none of which seems to have bothered him much. I have always heard that neutering a dog calmed them down some and I believe that has been the case. He is still sweet as ever but does seem a little calmer.

In my last “Sammy Sunday” post I mentioned I thought one of Sammy’s ears was broken – evidently it is not. He intermittently holds both of them up, let’s one flop (right or left), and can leave them both flopped. I guess he gets tired of holding them up all the time. Up or down, how can you not love that face.

From My Bench

2011-07-01T12:03:00.001-05:00

Etsy shop update

Royal Imperial Jasper Ensemble
(SOLD – Thank you)

Lapis & Parrot Wing Bracelet
(SOLD – Thank you)

I have a ton of beads and components tucked away in little plastic boxes and I decided it was time to play with some of them…I made earrings.

Brass components; vintage lucite leaves; Swarovski crystals

Brass components; lampwork beads; Swarovski crystals
The bead color is actually a very pretty olive green

From My Bench

2011-06-25T14:11:00.001-05:00

A couple of new pieces from me…finally.

Deschutes Jasper Necklace

Shattuckite Ring
Cabochon cut by Jim

Sammy Sunday

2011-06-19T08:47:00.001-05:00

To all the dads out there
HAPPY FATHER’S DAY!

Of course we took Sammy with us to San Antonio and I must say he did really well on his first outing. I noticed while we were away that one of his ears has become floppy. It looks like the cartilage has been broken some how although I am not completely surprised by this because he was a clumsy puppy – he has fallen off the bed, off my stool, off the chair, and run into countless number of things while playing. Floppy or not, it doesn’t make us love him any less; I think it actually gives him a little more character.

Sammy before:

Sammy now:

Sea World – San Antonio

2011-06-16T12:50:00.001-05:00

As I posted yesterday, I LOVED Sea World, especially the whale show, “Shamu”.

This first picture is of the RV Park that was our “home away from home” for a week…very nice park. It was only one mile from sea World and they provided a shuttle that took us back & forth.

Sea World Arches (Entrance)

The Orcas

Whale & Trainer

Jumping Whale

Mom & Baby

Splashing the Crowd

The family feeding the Dolphins

Jim blames Sea World for costing him a fortune. His oldest boy Ryan spent a week at Sea World’s summer camp when he was around 10; and, it was there he decided he wanted to become a Marine Biologist. He graduated from Texas A&M Galveston with a double degree – Marine Biology and Marine Fisheries. It may have cost Jim a fortune but he couldn’t be more proud.

Home Again

2011-06-15T13:26:00.001-05:00

We have returned from our trip to San Antonio and we had a great time. Jim and I had some alone time to tour the city and we spent a couple of days with the kids.

We all went to the San Antonio Zoo but I forgot my camera…duh! However, it would not have made any difference because NONE of the animals were out – it was too darn hot.

We spent a day at Sea World with all of them also – I love Sea World!! The highlight of my entire trip was the “Shamu” show…I felt like I was 10 years old watching these incredible whales entertain us…I was smiling from ear to ear during the entire show.

I have a bunch of pictures to share but I will do it in stages. Today’s pictures are of downtown San Antonio.

Riverwalk

The Alamo

Awesome architecture on the Riverwalk Mall

Living Oak in Courtyard of The Alamo

Mercado
(Spanish Market)

Inside of Mi Tierra Cafe & Bakery
(Awesome Mexican Food)

I’ll post more pictures tomorrow – I got some great shots at Sea World.

Road Trip

2011-06-02T19:55:00.001-05:00

Jim and I are leaving soon for a very much-needed vacation to San Antonio. We have had 3 really rough months and are really looking forward to a vacation.

Our kids and grandkids will be meeting us there for a 3-day visit, one of which will be spent at Sea World. Jim and I are going to pull our camper and take our time traveling but we do plan to arrive several days ahead of the kids so we can do some sightseeing. I always wanted to visit San Antonio when we lived in Texas but we never made it there.

My Etsy shop will be closed but I will be “plugged” in so you may even see a blog or two from the road.

See you soon!

Memorial Day Sale

2011-05-30T08:52:00.001-05:00

SALE – Today only, everything in my shop is 15% off; use coupon code “SPECIAL”.

My last shipping date will be June 3; my shop will then be closed for two weeks while Jim and I take a much-needed break.

I will be “plugged” in so I will be responding to convos and emails.

Happy Memorial Day!

God Bless all those who gave their lives for our country.

Sammy Sunday

2011-05-29T08:00:00.000-05:00

Sleepin’ with my baby…

Is This Sammy?

2011-05-24T16:01:00.001-05:00

We picked Sammy up from the groomer today and we were afraid they gave us the wrong dog – he looks sooooo different. He has gone from a pup to a young adult…isn’t he cute? We decided to go ahead and get the Schnauzer cut and I am glad we did.

The groomer said he wasn’t the best dog they had ever groomed but he wasn’t the worst either…they said he could come back. Actually, the groomer wrote on his “report card” that he is a “really sweet puppy”…way to make mom proud!

He’s Back - My Nephew That Is

2011-05-23T20:46:00.001-05:00

My nephew Matt (Matthew Alan) will be in “Law and Order LA” on Wednesday evening.

He was in “Bones” on May 12, “The Hole in the Heart” episode but I found out about it too late to post it on my blog. If you are a “bones” fan, you can see the episode on hulu.com or CBS.com…Matt was in the very first 10 minutes of the show.

Matt will also be in the season premier of “Rizzoli & Isles” which returns to TV on Monday, July 11.

We are so proud of you Matt!

Sammy Sunday

2011-05-22T08:00:00.000-05:00

Our little guy is growing up.

This picture was taken on March 22; he weighed 6 pounds

This picture was taken yesterday;
he now weighs almost 12 pounds & he is getting taller

Sammy gets his first haircut on Tuesday…what they call a puppy cut. They trim his face and ears and just try to get him used to being groomed….good luck with that! I have tried brushing him but he becomes all mouth. If I let him chew on my fingers while brushing, he is fine but I am not sure the groomer will agree to that. I really hope it goes well; I would hate it if they asked us NOT to bring him back.

I will post a picture after the haircut on Tuesday…maybe!

Custom Orders

2011-05-21T09:34:00.001-05:00

It finally stopped raining so I could take some pictures of these two custom orders I recently finished.

Bronzed turquoise and copper

Rocky Butte picture jasper
This stone is huge – 2 1/2” x 1 1/2”

Woody Woodpecker

2011-05-18T16:13:00.001-05:00

I was sitting at my computer this afternoon when I heard this funny squawk; I turned around and looked outside and there was this gorgeous red-headed woodpecker hanging from our hummingbird feeder. I was so lucky to get these pictures before a hummingbird chased him off.

This little beauty was sitting in the driveway this morning posing for me.
Does anyone know what type of butterfly it is?

Mother Nature at her finest!

From My Bench…Finally

2011-05-14T14:39:00.001-05:00

This has actually been my most productive week in awhile. I worked on a couple custom orders and finished these two rings.

The band is made with NuGold brass which is the perfect pairing
for the yellow-gold of the stone and the pyrite.

This is a gorgeous druzy agate in a taupe color with
14K gold accent balls.
The band will be made to size.

Spirit

2011-05-10T08:00:00.000-05:00

Back in August I posted pictures of this new colt, Spirit
who belongs to our great niece.

This is Spirit today with her owner, Madeline
I can’t believe how much they both have grown.

Here’s a link to the original post – it’s kind of a cute story: http://sassyglassdesigns.blogspot.com/2010/08/horsy-story.html

Sammy Jo

2011-05-09T12:22:00.001-05:00

Sammy graduated from “Puppy Class” on Saturday - he can sit, stay, come when called (sometimes), and down. We kind of feel that he was almost too young when we began the class but I think if I keep working with him he will do just fine. These pictures just show a whole lot of cuteness going on.

…with his ball

…with his baby

…his favorite past time

My Moms

2011-05-08T07:43:00.000-05:00

My Mom and Dad on their wedding day…66 years ago.
Mom passed away 21 years ago and we miss her every day.
We love you mom!

My Dad & Stepmother
We are so glad she came into our lives.
We love you Kathy!

To all the moms out there…
Happy Mother’s Day!

Finally – From My Bench

2011-05-05T17:13:00.001-05:00

We finally had a day at home and I was able to spend time at my bench and set the stones I blogged about the other day. The minute I saw this trio of stones I knew what I wanted to do with them…sometimes I feel the stones really do guide me.

Parral Dendritic Agate
Necklace & Earring Set

Life’s Roadblocks

2011-05-04T10:07:00.001-05:00

There seems to be a lot going on in the Carrico household right now – so much so that I haven’t had much time to blog or create. I hope to get back to both very soon. I just received these beauties in the mail and I am anxious to put them in a design.

Sammy is doing great – he is growing like a weed and Saturday is his graduation from “puppy class” – we hope he graduates! He is certainly the most vocal, hyper dog in the class but he is also the youngest – the other dogs have outgrown their “terrible 2s” – Sammy has just begun his.

Comfy?

2011-04-25T08:02:00.000-05:00

Do you think he’s comfy?

I can’t believe how much Sammy has grown…I didn’t realize it until I looked at some of the pictures from the first day we got him.

A Child & Her Puppy

2011-04-23T20:33:00.001-05:00

Our granddaughter, Rhylie, and her new puppy, Chewie.

Does it get any cuter than this!

Happy Easter!

From My Bench

2011-04-22T12:11:00.001-05:00

A couple new pieces…nothing fancy just simple settings with a couple pretty stones.

Holley Blue Agate Ring – Custom-sized
(SOLD – Thank You)

Crazy Lace Agate Ring – Custom-sized
(SOLD – Thank You)

Slow Sales

2011-04-20T10:57:00.001-05:00

I am curious if others are experiencing slow sales on Etsy. For me, it’s almost come to a screeching halt. I don’t know if I just don’t have what buyers are looking for or it’s the economy or spring fever. Of course, when I take into consideration the number of jewelry sellers there are on Etsy, I am very thankful that I have the sales I have.

I know the price of silver has skyrocketed but I am working with silver I purchased at a lower price so I feel my prices are still competitive Once I have to purchase silver again…that could be another story.

Just wondering if anyone else is feeling the pinch.

More Close-Ups

2011-04-18T15:50:00.001-05:00

Now that I have figured out how to take good close-up pictures, I am snapping away. As I posted yesterday, I was catching up on my blog reading when I ran across Studio Waterstone. Lori is hosting a blog hop of "Up Close Photography for Macro Makers and the Camerologically Challenged”. I wanted to participate but have never been particularly happy with the macro function on my camera. Come to find out, it wasn’t the camera, it was the user…can you believe that! I found a button on the camera which I have never used that allows me to get “up close and personal”. Now, that I know about this feature, I can’t believe how well it works. Be sure to visit Studio Waterstone to see some gorgeous photography and a really great blog.

Here are a couple more close-ups…

Dogwood blossom

Max

From My Bench

2011-04-17T17:14:00.001-05:00

I finally finished something new. I have never purchased seraphinite before but fell in love with this stone…the silvery white and green waves are so shimmery.

I was reading another blog about taking “macro” pictures and I have never been very pleased with my camera for that reason. Well, I decided to do a search on the internet about my camera and taking close-up pictures and I discovered an extra “zoom” feature on the camera that I have never used…and I have had this darn thing for 2 years. I had to share this “macro” shot of Sammy….does that face spell mischief…you bet!

Book For Sale – Enameling

2011-04-16T18:30:00.001-05:00

SOLD – Thank you!

I recently purchased this book from Amazon.

The good news…it arrived today and looks like a really great book.

The bad news…I evidently ordered 2 of them. As interesting as the book looks, I think 1 will do.

I can return it to Amazon but I thought I would check to see if any of my blog readers would be interested in purchasing it. I paid $9.67 for the book and will sell it for that price plus actual shipping. If you are interested, please let me know via a comment and we can go from there.

Thanks.

Spring Has Spring

2011-04-12T16:03:00.001-05:00

It is an absolutely gorgeous day today…68 degrees, lots of sun, and a light breeze. Jim, Sammy, and I have spent most of the day outside enjoying the weather.

Our first hummingbird showed up today but was not posing for pictures; I was only able to catch a shot of his tail (right-hand side of the feeder)

All of the dogwoods are in bloom…
Our view from the back porch – all of the trees are budding

Sammy enjoying the weather also…

We also put our grill back together. Several months ago we had a thunderstorm with some straight-line winds. They blew the grill across the porch and turned it completely upside down; we were afraid it was ruined.
We put it back together and cleaned it up some and it works like a charm…
just waiting for our favorite grilled meal….Salmon, asparagus, & peach halves….my mouth is watering.

From My Bench

2011-04-11T16:02:00.001-05:00

My shoulder pain is finally easing up…enough so that I have been able to finish a few pieces I had started before we left on our trip. All 3 pieces can be made into rings or necklaces.

In hand, this pietersite stone has so much chatoyance,
it looks 3-dimensional
(Reserved – Thank You!)

Another gorgeous piece of sunshine quartz on brass

Very scenic Deschutes Jasper

Back Home Again

2011-04-09T20:38:00.001-05:00

We are back home from our visit with my family which was short but very sweet. We spent a lot of quality time with my Dad, my stepmother, and my brother….lots of laughs and lot’s of my dad’s cooking, which is quite good.

Sammy was well-behaved…everyone fell in love with him…he kept us all entertained. He even began going to the door to be let out to potty…that was a huge step. We were thrilled because we were beginning to think it wasn’t going to click with him but he seems to be on the right path.

I am very anxious to get back to work but I am moving very slowly. A couple of days before we left for our trip, I took a spill at our local Walmart store. One of the floor mats in the lobby was pushed up in front of the door and when the automatic doors opened and I stepped in, my foot got caught under the mat; I think I fell half-way across the lobby. I landed with all my weight on my right shoulder; of course, I am right-handed. The paramedics came and put me in a sling and off I went to my doctor to see if it was broken; fortunately it was not.

By the time we left for home on Thursday, my shoulder was not feeling any better…I still couldn’t raise it without using my other arm to lift it or walk my hand up a wall. Finally, it is starting to feel much better…it is still sore but I can at least raise it up and over my head and I have a little more range of motion. I did try to cut out some back plates but that’s a no-no right now. Hopefully, it will continue to improve and I can get back to work…I am having some serious ‘smithing withdrawal.

Obedience School

2011-04-02T16:43:00.001-05:00

Today was Sammy’s first day of school…obedience school that is and I must say he was very well behaved and of course, he was the cutest pup there. He wasn’t afraid of the other people or his classmates. Our main objective is to make him come when we call him and keep him from trying to bully other dogs. Sonny was such a little bully, especially to dogs smaller than him. While we always kept him on a leash when we went anywhere, he would just go nuts when he saw other dogs. But, in his defense, he was never around any dogs other than Jake and Max…hopefully we can train Sammy to be a little more social.

In today’s class we talked about housebreaking, which we have already begun, and worked on “watch me” and sit. He has puppy class once per week for the next 6 weeks…I’ll keep you posted on “our” progress.

He was absolutely worn out by the time we got home.

Oh, Jim asked the teacher if there were any “wife training” classes…isn’t he funny!

We are traveling to Indiana tomorrow to visit my dad and brother. We are really looking forward to the visit…we haven’t seen them since Christmas.

From My Bench

2011-03-30T14:12:00.001-05:00

I managed to finished a few pieces this week. I forgot how much work a new puppy can be especially when you are trying to housebreak him.

I showed this Buddha face as a work-in-progress well over a month or more ago and I finally finished it…I just couldn’t decide on the design. I settled for a simple, textured chain.

Buddha face with faceted rainbow moonstone
Jim designed and engraved this cross….it is actually cut out of sterling silver and then soldered to a copper disc so the copper shows through.

A custom order for a sunshine quartz ring. I have one of these stones left if anyone is interested.
Last but not least…Sammy’s siesta…this is what he does best!

Sammy Jo

2011-03-27T15:15:00.001-05:00

Sammy drags everything into his bed.

These 2 seem to be his favorite toys

My Muse Has Returned

2011-03-25T16:56:00.001-05:00

The last week has been pretty rough and needless to say, my creativity went out the window. They say work is the best therapy but I just could not make myself create. Each day got a little easier and our new puppy has helped a lot. So, here are a couple new pieces I just listed in my Etsy shop.

Bronzed mojave turquoise necklace
with a layer of copper and sterling silver

Amazonite ring – custom-sized

Introductions Please

2011-03-23T13:14:00.001-05:00

This is Sam (Sammy), our new Schnauzer puppy. The house was just too empty so we decided to fill it again. Sammy was named by my mother-in-law who has called me “Sam” since the first day I met her some 40+ years ago. She said she felt the new puppy’s name should be a combination of Sam and Sonny so she chose Sammy…worked for us.

Without further adieu, here is Sammy…

Enough posing already…it’s time for a nap with my
new buddy!

Sammy is 9.5 weeks old and weighs about 6 pounds.
His weight at maturity should be about 15-20 pounds.
We are not going to crop his ears.

Guilty Dog

2011-03-21T21:45:00.001-05:00

This is the cutest video…enjoy.

Light Of The Moon

2011-03-20T08:00:00.000-05:00

I understand the moon is closer to the earth right now than it usually is…it seemed huge last night when I took this picture. I stepped outside just in time to shoot the first picture & then the clouds started moving in front of it.